Constipation — Ayurvedic Treatment

Signs & Symptoms of Constipation

• Passing fewer than three stools per week
• Having lumpy, hard, or pellet-like stools
• Straining excessively to have bowel movements
• Feeling of blockage or incomplete emptying in the rectum
• Abdominal bloating and discomfort

Causes of Constipation

Constipation occurs when waste moves too slowly through the digestive tract or cannot be eliminated effectively from the rectum. Key causes include:

• Blockages in the colon or rectum (haemorrhoids, rectal stricture)
• Problems with the nerves around the colon and rectum
• Difficulty with the muscles involved in elimination (pelvic floor dysfunction)
• Conditions affecting body hormones (hypothyroidism, diabetes)
• Imbalances in gut microbiome composition
• Low-fibre diet and inadequate fluid intake

Diagnosis

• Dietary elimination to rule out food intolerances
• Stool sample analysis to rule out infection
• Blood tests to check for anaemia and rule out coeliac disease
• Colonoscopy or anorectal manometry in chronic cases

Complications of Constipation

• Haemorrhoids (swollen veins in the anus)
• Anal fissures (small tears in the anal skin)
• Faecal impaction — hardened stool that cannot be expelled
• Rectal prolapse due to excessive straining

Ayurvedic Treatment for Constipation

Ayurveda views constipation as a Vata imbalance affecting the colon. Treatment focuses on rekindling digestive fire (Agni) using herbs like Triphala, Haritaki, Isabgol, and Castor oil along with a personalised dietary plan and lifestyle modifications. Constipation treatment in Ayurveda restores healthy, regular bowel function naturally and permanently.